European business travel spending forecast to hit €404bn in 2026
European business travel spending is projected to reach €404.0 billion in 2026, a 7.0% rise from the previous year, affecting companies and corporate travel managers across the continent. The forecast was published in November 2026 and covers the entire European market.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Spending forecast rises to €404.0 billion in 2026
- Timing
- Forecast published November 2026
- Who is affected
- All organisations planning European business travel
The details
- Announced by
- GBTA
Overall spending forecast
The GBTA Business Travel Index projects that European business travel expenditure will total €404.0 billion in 2026, representing a 7.0% increase compared with 2025. This growth occurs despite a modest rise in the number of trips, indicating higher average spend per journey.
Trip volume and regional breakdown
European organisations are expected to generate roughly 600 million business trips in 2026, a 0.7% increase over the previous year. Western Europe will account for €354.9 billion of the total, while Central and Eastern Europe, labelled “Emerging Europe,” will contribute €49.1 billion.
- Western Europe contributes the majority of spending at €354.9 billion
- Emerging Europe shows faster growth at 10.8% versus 6.5% in Western Europe
Economic impact on cities
Business travel continues to generate substantial economic benefits for major European cities. In London, business travellers spent £11.2 billion directly in 2024, supporting £17.9 billion in total economic output and 98,051 jobs. Similar contributions are reported for Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Madrid.
- London: £11.2 billion direct spend, £17.9 billion total output
- Paris: €12.1 billion direct spend, €19.7 billion total output
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Companies should anticipate higher per‑trip budgets when planning 2026 itineraries
- Travel managers may need to adjust expense policies to reflect increased average spend
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the forecast
- Existing corporate travel cards and expense‑management systems remain applicable
What you need to do
- Review upcoming 2026 travel budgets in light of the €404 billion spending projection
- Monitor internal travel policies to ensure alignment with higher average costs
- Stay informed of any subsequent GBTA updates that could affect future forecasts
Who this affects
-
European corporations
They are the primary generators of the projected €404 billion travel spend
What to do Adjust travel budgets and expense policies to reflect higher average costs
-
Corporate travel managers
They oversee allocation of travel funds and policy compliance across Europe
What to do Incorporate the forecasted spend increase into planning and negotiations
-
Business travellers in Europe
Their trips contribute to the overall spending and economic impact
What to do Expect potentially higher per‑trip expenses and plan accordingly
Frequently asked questions
What is the projected business travel spending for Europe in 2026?
The forecast predicts European business travel spending will reach €404.0 billion in 2026, marking a 7.0% year‑on‑year increase.
How much will the number of business trips grow in Europe in 2026?
Trip volume is expected to rise by only 0.7% in 2026, reaching about 600 million trips across the continent.
Which European region will see the fastest spending growth in 2026?
Central and Eastern Europe, classified as Emerging Europe, is projected to grow its spending by 10.8%, outpacing Western Europe’s 6.5% increase.
What economic impact does business travel have on European cities?
Business travel generates significant local economic output, GDP contribution, and employment; for example, London’s business travellers spent £11.2 billion in 2024, supporting £17.9 billion in total output and over 98,000 jobs.
Will there be any new fees or documentation requirements for 2026 business travel?
The forecast does not introduce any new fees or documentation; existing corporate travel arrangements and expense‑management systems remain unchanged.
